Galgorm gives a taste of the new normal ahead of resort reopening

FROM temperature checks to sealed rooms, to your key card on an app — welcome to the new hotel experience.

Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort has given guests an online look at what to expect when their doors reopen on July 24.

In a video, the resort takes you on a walk through the hotel to show customers what will become the new normal for them.

Simple things of the past like check-in, using the spa facilities, ordering your meals and enjoying a drink in the bar are all taking on a new format.

As is how staff will keep the hotel sterile and safe.

One of the first new experiences guests will encounter is a digital temperature check at the front entrance — to make sure it safe for you to enter the complex.

Guests will also be asked to use a hand sanitiser pump before entering the building.

However, should guests develop symptoms of coronavirus prior to arrival, the resort will offer the option of changing the date of reservations, holding existing payment as credit against future bookings or a full refund.

The complex has included a flexible booking policy with a Covid-19 clause.

One of the key aspects of your new hotel experience is an app.

Prior to arrival, guests will receive a link to the resort’s new app which will be a vital part of your stay — as this will also be your key card for your room.

In a bid to minimise as many touch points as possible, the app will also contain the map for the Thermal Spa Village and all food and drink menus.

Contactless payments will form part of the new experience — as cash transactions will be accepted at reception only.

And the bar will be table service only.

Hand sanitiser stations and social distancing markers will be in place throughout the resort and a new public area cleaning team has also been introduced.

If you need to use the lift, it will be a strict one party at a time — up to a maximum of four people.

So, the resort is advising where possible that guests opt to use the stairs.

For those taking a trip to the spa, lockers are temporarily unavailable for guests, so those looking to use the facilities are asked to change into the robes and flipflops provided in their rooms. Treatments are available if they are pre-booked.

New social distancing will be introduced in the Thermal Spa Village which will limit the number of guests in it at any one time.

A constant cleaning regime will be carried out in all areas of the spa, with deep sanitisation after it closes.

In another new aspect, each bedroom will have a cleanliness seal which is only broken when you enter the room, to show that all hygiene steps have been carried out.

Air decontamination units have also been installed in each hotel room to provide clean environments for those staying the night.

Gone are the breakfast buffets, replaced by a la carte offerings, and all dining must be prebooked in the newly arranged restaurant to adhere to social distancing.

Galgorm Collection managing director Colin Johnston said the safety of staff and guests has been the hotel’s top priority, and that they have been working over the lockdown to get the facility ready for a safe reopening.

“Ahead of this, we want to reassure guests and visitors that whilst the new measures may take a little getting used to, visitors will still be able to enjoy the same great experience that Galgorm is renowned for,” said Mr Johnston.

“In addition to our detailed hygiene commitment, which is available on our website and which highlights all of the new safety and cleanliness measures we have in place, this video shows guests what they can expect and look forward to.

“After weeks of preparations, we are delighted to welcome everyone back from Friday, July 24.”